Canada halt England's 39-Test run in Exeter thriller
Canada ended England's 39-Test winning streak with a 26-26 draw at Sandy Park in Exeter, a result that saw the visitors avoid defeat on English soil for the first time. The WXV Global Series match, played eight days before the one-year anniversary of England's 33-13 World Cup final victory at Twickenham, produced eight tries and was decided on the final play with the clock in the red. A sold-out Sandy Park watched the sides trade four tries each, with England unable to find a winning score despite laying siege to the Canada line in the closing stages.[S1][S2]
First-half doubles from England wing Claudia Moloney-MacDonald and Canada prop Daleaka Menin, along with scores from Hannah Botterman and Lizzie Gibson, left the teams locked at 19-19 at the break after a six-try opening half. Bryony Field's second Test try, from a rolling maul in the 53rd minute, appeared to set up a trademark second-half surge, but Canada hit back four minutes later through scrum-half Olivia Apps, with Sophie de Goede converting to level at 26-26. England remain unbeaten in 40 Tests, but the draw ended their 100% home record against Canada, having won all 13 previous home meetings.[S1][S2]
Mitchell: 'This is ideal for us' as Canada prove a point
England head coach John Mitchell described the match as ideal for his side, stressing that the Test series offers a greater purpose than a single fixture and that the team must improve. Canada player of the match Daleaka Menin said the game was a big challenge and a great contest, adding that her side wanted to prove something and that this is just the start of their journey, with two more Tests against England to come. England captain Meg Jones called it amazing Test match rugby and a battle, noting that discipline let the team down and that they have two more shots at Canada, aiming to grow with each performance.[S1]
The result ends a run that started in March 2023 and brought four successive Women's Six Nations crowns, two WXV1 titles and a home World Cup triumph in 2025. England had been tested before, including a week earlier when Australia led 10-5 at half-time, the first time the Red Roses had trailed at the interval since 2020, while France and Canada had also pushed them close in recent meetings. Canada's ability to sustain pressure for the full 80 minutes proved decisive at Sandy Park, where they led twice and were pegged back twice before holding on for the draw.[S2]
What comes next for England and Canada
England will look to return to winning ways when they host New Zealand, the last team to beat them in the 2022 World Cup final, at Allianz Stadium next Saturday, 26 September. They then travel to Toronto and Ottawa for two Tests against Canada on 16 and 23 October, before facing the USA in New Jersey on 30 October. Canada, who face France next week, will host England in those two October fixtures as the rivalry continues.[S1][S2]
